How to book a Tatkal train ticket on IRCTC

What Tatkal is, when booking opens, and how to prepare so that you can book in the first minute.

Checked on 11 November 2026. Fees, forms and steps change. Confirm on the official website before you pay. This is not a government website, and we do not process any application.

What you need

An IRCTC account that is verified with your Aadhaar
The IRCTC Rail Connect app or the website irctc.co.in
Names and ages of the passengers saved in the "Master List"
A fast way to pay, such as UPI

Steps

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Well before the day, log in to IRCTC and complete Aadhaar authentication in your profile. Since July 2025, online Tatkal booking has needed an Aadhaar-verified account and an Aadhaar OTP.
Add your passengers to the "Master List" in the profile, so that you do not have to type names during booking.
Know the time. Tatkal booking opens one day before the train leaves its starting station: at 10:00 am for AC classes and at 11:00 am for non-AC classes.
Log in a few minutes before the opening time. Enter the stations and the date, and choose the quota "TATKAL".
At the opening time, refresh the availability, choose your train and class, and tap "Book Now".
Pick the passengers from the Master List, fill the captcha, and go to payment.
Pay by the quickest method you have and approve it at once. The ticket and PNR arrive by SMS and email.

Fee

A Tatkal ticket costs the normal fare plus a Tatkal charge, which depends on the class and the distance. The exact fare is shown before you pay.

Good to know

At most four passengers can be booked on one Tatkal ticket.
There is no refund for cancelling a confirmed Tatkal ticket. Book only when you are sure of the journey.
No concessions apply on Tatkal tickets.
Use mobile data or a steady Wi-Fi connection, and do not press the back button during payment.
Tickets from touts and unauthorised agents can be cancelled, and you can be fined. Book from your own account or at the station counter.
Railway booking rules are changed from time to time. Check the notices on the IRCTC site before an important journey.

Official website

IRCTC

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